The altar consists of a cylindrical shaft with apophyge (top and bottom), a crown molding and foot molding. The top consists of a convex ovolo surmounted by the beginning of a cyma. The raised central area of the top has a dowel hole, showing that another circular piece fitted on. The foot has a cyma recta profile over a torus. The shaft is decorated with an eagle that clutches a thunderbolt in its talons. A thin garland of leaves loops around the shaft in three steep swags, supported by filleted bucrania. Three paterae decorated with incised pointed leaves and central rosettes are placed above the garland, which, along with beaded sacred ribbons, is suspended from the horns of the bucrania. The major inscription begins above the l. bucranion on the upper shaft. A second, possibly secondary, inscription on the top molding records the dedication to an emperor, whose name ended in anos. Hadrian, who visited Sardis in ca. A.D. 123-124 and 129-131, is the best candidate, but Vespasian, Domitian, or Trajan are also possible.

The major inscription on the shaft, which will be published by L. Robert, states that Demetrios, son of Hermogenes (dedicated the altar on behalf of himself?) and of the Servants (of Zeus?). Robert suggests that these therapeutai (servants) may be the same pious association which was mentioned in 367 B.C. as serving Zeus Baradates (Cat. 273 Figs. 463-463).

For Samos, R. Horn dates a similar eagle altar to the late Hellenistic period. Stylistically, the Sardian altar, too, seems late Hellenistic. Perhaps the dedication to the emperor -anos, which is peculiarly placed, was added later. However, the style of Hadrianic classicism cannot be ruled out.

Made of one piece of local reddish-worn marble. Workmanship very fine and delicate, well finished background with multiple chisel.

Broken diagonally across top on the l. side, with smaller breaks around foot. Head of eagle also broken off.